One of the tricks I tried to bring in extra cash when I was a single mom was mystery shopping.  With over a decade in retail experience, most of it in management, I figured I was a prime candidate for being a good mystery shopper.  After all, I knew how to provide excellent customer service and train others on how to provide it; I knew how to define it as a consumer; and as a writer I was more than capable of describing shopping experiences whether they were poor or phenomenal.

While most of the marketing of mystery shopping is specifically targetted toward women, particularly those who want to earn extra money, I found that mystery shopping wasn't for me.  The company I worked for posted opportunities for shops at restaurants but the dollar limit wasn't high enough for me to take my child and another adult (and there had to be two adults ordering, though children were welcome on all but bar shops).  The regular retail shops didn't work for me because they were at electronics retailers and didn't even pay enough for my gas since I lived in a rural area.  For a few months I did bar shops at restaurants with my then-boyfriend when my daughter was away on visitation, thinking at least it was a reimbursed date on a night I had "free babysitting", but ultimately I gave up on the endeavor as it actually cost me money, rather than earning anything.

That said, I do know that some folks set up systems where they will perform multiple shops in one area on the same day, hitting stores and restaurants and consolidating their time and gas spent.  Others are happy to break even like I originally was, along with having a lunch date or some time out at the mall.  I suppose there really is money to be had if you have the right system and work for the right company, which is why I'm offering up the following basic article I found (reprinted with permission) as an introduction to those who are wondering if mystery shopping is worth checking into.

If you've found a significant income source through mystery shopping, I'd love to hear about your experiences and your system of doing shops.  How did you get beyond breaking even and actually earn the dough the marketing folks claim you can in this field?

What is Mystery Shopping?

Every day I receive emails from folks asking me about mystery shopping. My very first mystery shopping assignment was for Domino’s Pizza. I don’t know their system today, but many years ago, when I was a mystery shopper for them, I would receive one large 2 topping pizza from them each month in return for taking notes and submitting a questionnaire to them about my overall experience.

Many companies rely on mystery shoppers to help them see the shopping experience through the customer’s eyes.

Mystery shoppers are used in fast food restaurants, in electronic stores and in many retail establishments.

As a mystery shopper you will take note of things such as the name tag of the person helping you and whether that person is dressed according to company code. You’ll be asked if the facility was neat and clean. You’ll be asked to time how long you wait to be helped. Each store has a different set of criteria they ask you to take notice of. Many shops do not allow you to have children with you when you shop. You are always told this right up front. Read through the rules thoroughly before accepting the job.

Unfortunately there are many scammers out there who want to scam you out of your money, promising that for a small fee, they will provide you with books or databases of companies that will hire you to be a mystery shopper. Once you pay, the company is gone and you are no closer to being chosen as a mystery shopper than when you began.

I can not say it enough. DO NOT EVER PAY money to become a mystery shopper. The scammers will say they will reimburse you after you complete your first assignment. This is not true. Scammers will say they are trying to sort out the serious from the not serious. Again, this is not true. One more time, DO NOT EVER PAY money to become a mystery shopper.

So where can you start if this appeals to you? One place to start is secretshopper.com . You can apply once you read the introductory information and take the introductory test. Each new store you shop at will require that you pass a test on that store’s criteria to have you shop.

Mystery shopping can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to earn a few extra dollars each week.

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Audrey Okaneko has been marketing online for several years. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net or visited at www.recipe-barn.com